Honorary Commanders experience deployment, mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  Nine members of the 433rd Airlift Wing Honorary Commanders program received an up-close look at some of the support functions within the wing Oct. 3, 2015, during a 433rd Mission Support Group tour.

The Honorary Commanders visited with logistics support, firefighter, security forces, explosive ordnance disposal, and aerial port Airmen throughout the morning while handling and trying on a variety of equipment used in Air Force specialties.

"I think today's event was a true success," said Col. Lisa Craig, 433rd MSG commander. "The tour and scenarios shared with our honorary commanders demonstrated the diverse nature of operations within the Alamo Wing and specifically what the nearly 1,000 support group members do in their part-time capacity as Reservists."

After a short mission briefing, the Honorary Commanders visited with logistics support Airmen during which time they processed through a mock deployment line and tried on military chemical warfare protective gear.

"This was a great opportunity to see what goes on within the mission support group and to understand better the different specialties, and how they figure into the bigger picture," said Honorary Commander, John Smith, who works for the Department of Homeland Security. "It's also great to be able to tour this weekend while all the Reservists are here in action. It's been great."

After the deployment line, they met with firefighters, security forces Airmen and explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, where they were able to try on their armor and hold a variety of unarmed weapons and equipment.

"I haven't had a lot of exposure to the military in my life, so this was fascinating," said Kelly Lerch, 433rd AW Honorary Commander, who works for Enterprise Holdings of South Texas.  "I loved getting to see all the weaponry and being able to try on the different suits. I was amazed by the heaviness of the equipment and the challenges it would pose to military members while trying to do their job. I have a lot of respect for them."

Tech. Sgt. Cody Cochran of the 433rd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight said tours such as these are beneficial to both the military and the civic leaders.

"As Reservists we work within the local civilian communities," he said. "Events like this give our civilian employers a chance to learn about what we do in the military and to have a better appreciation of the important skill sets we work to maintain in defense of our country. Now they can really understand the importance of our weekend drills and annual tours."

The final stop of the tour included a visit with the 26th Aerial Port Squadron in which they learned how Airmen inspect cargo and vehicles as well as load the equipment onto the aircraft.

Dave Saylor, Honorary Commander and owner of Arcadia Café, said that while there were many highlights throughout the tour, the aerial port demonstration was his favorite.

"I was especially impressed with the aerial port demonstration today," he said. "But really, the entire event was great. The 433rd AW is a vital part of the local community. As Reservists, they work and live here in San Antonio. Events like this improve our understanding of the great things they are doing, which improves our relationships within the community."

The Honorary Commanders Program was developed to encourage an exchange of ideas, share experiences, and foster friendship between key members of the local civilian community and the Joint Base San Antonio military community.The program provides a unique opportunity for San Antonio area community leaders to shadow the 433rd AW, group and squadron commanders.

For more information about the Honorary Commander's program, contact the 433rd AW Public Affairs office at 925-5194.